University Times

Pitt's two largest construction projects are on schedule, according to Ana Guzman, associate vice chancellor for Facilities Management.

Guzman reported on recently completed and ongoing construction projects Sept. 26 to the University's Senate's Plant Utilization and Planning (PUP) committee.

The Multi-Purpose Academic Complex (MPAC), which is under construction in the block bordered by Forbes and Oakland avenues and South Bouquet and Sennott streets, is expected to open October 2001, Guzman said. The Petersen Events Center, being built on the former site of Pitt Stadium, is slated to open in early 2002.

Guzman said that DeSoto Street is expected to be the main thoroughfare for pedestrian traffic flow to the Petersen center. The University is committed to improving access on DeSoto by widening the sidewalks and installing new lighting before the events center opens, she said. Thackeray Street also is under consideration for improvements because of its close proximity to the Litchfield Towers dorms across Fifth Avenue.

Regarding the MPAC building, Eli Shorak, Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor, reported that the University was still undecided on a tenant for the building's first floor. The City Planning Commission said Pitt must rent the space to outside concerns as a condition for approval of construction.

Shorak said the University favored renting to one tenant that would act as an anchor, drawing other businesses into the Oakland area. The retailer preferably would cater to the 18-25-year-old population, he said.

According to information Shorak gathered from the Student Government Board, student preferences include a grocery store or a clothing and/or housewares store. "We're looking for something that is missing in Oakland and that might also attract outsiders to come here, which wouldn't be a grocery store," Shorak said. "And with only 18,000 square feet available, there isn't enough room for a store like IKEA or The Gap, but a smaller chain store like Urban Outfitters, who have had success in major cities, especially around college areas, would be a consideration."

Students have stronger opinions about what shouldn't go there, Shorak said, including fast food restaurants and drug stores.

Guzman said other major construction projects recently or nearly completed include phase II of the Bouquet Gardens student housing project; the Bellefield Hall roof and auditorium renovations; completion of the Henry Heyman Theatre in Stephen Foster Memorial; upgrades in the sprinklers and fire alarm system in Lothrop Hall; additional lighting for Heinz Chapel; replacement of sidewalks around the Cathedral of Learning, and replacement of a steamline in front of the Graduate School of Public Health.

Regional campus projects include an addition and renovations to the Johnstown campus Sports Center. A new sports complex on the Bradford campus is in the design phase, she said.

Guzman also reported that two new construction projects for the Pittsburgh campus had been approved by the state. The state General State Authority released funding for installing air conditioning and an upgraded sprinkler system for floors G through 3 in the Cathedral of Learning ($5 million) and for renovated and deferred maintenance of the Clapp/Langley/Crawford halls complex ($5.5 million). Neither project has a construction timetable yet, she said.

University Registrar Samuel Conte reported on completed and nearly completed classroom renovation projects. Under the University's 10-year master facilities plan, a fund of $1.2 million annually is designated for classroom renovation, including a portion for upgrading technology and for new seating, Conte said. Classrooms recently renovated include 202, 203, and 204 in Frick Fine Arts; 316 Old Engineering Hall; G-13 and seven classrooms on the second and third floors of the Cathedral of Learning; a classroom on the 9th floor of Benedum Hall, and two first-floor Law Building classrooms.

Four School of Social Work classrooms on the Cathedral's 23rd floor will be renovated during the spring term. Technology upgrades to rooms 123 and 132 in the Music Building, originally scheduled for last summer, have been deferred until next summer, Conte said.

Conte acknowledged that some classroom renovations this summer fell behind schedule, due in part to the delayed delivery of chalkboards.

The registrar also said that the classroom management team, which determines priorities for classroom renovations, had typically targeted high-usage undergraduate classrooms in the past few years. "We're largely caught up with those, now," Conte said, "so we may want to discuss our priorities at future meetings."

In another report to the PUP committee, Jay Roling of Governmental Relations said he expected City Councilman James Ferlo to introduce legislation establishing new restrictions for street vendors, such as those who park in front of Hillman Library. He said Ferlo has called for public hearings on the issue.

Roling said the University supports any initiative designed to improve the appearance of Oakland. "We realize the vendors serve a need, but they cause congestion and we may want to lessen their impact in the Pitt campus area." Roling said some of the vendors use Pitt facilities to wash their utensils and other paraphernalia and some leave garbage in the area.

Guzman noted that the University assumes the costs of collecting trash around Hillman.

–Peter Hart